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Figure 25.1a
Chapter 25: Urinary System 2
Developmental Aspects
• Three sets of embryonic kidneys develop, with only the last set
persisting
• The pronephros never functions but its pronephric duct persists and
connects to the cloaca
• The mesonephros claims this duct and it becomes the mesonephric
duct
• The final metanephros develop by the fifth week and develop into
adult kidneys
Figure 25.21a, b
Chapter 25: Urinary System 6
Developmental Aspects
Figure 25.21c, d
Chapter 25: Urinary System 7
Kidney Location and External Anatomy
• The bean-shaped kidneys lie in a retroperitoneal position in the
superior lumbar region and extend from the twelfth thoracic to the
third lumbar vertebrae
• The right kidney is lower than the left because it is crowded by the
liver
• The lateral surface is convex and the medial surface is concave, with a
vertical cleft called the renal hilus leading to the renal sinus
• Ureters, renal blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves enter and exit at
the hilus
Figure 25.3b
Chapter 25: Urinary System 14
Blood and Nerve Supply
• Approximately one-fourth (1200 ml) of systemic cardiac
output flows through the kidneys each minute
• Arterial flow into and venous flow out of the kidneys
follow similar paths
• The nerve supply is via the renal plexus
Figure 25.4b
Chapter 25: Urinary System 19
Anatomy of the Glomerular Capsule
• The external parietal layer is a structural layer
• The visceral layer consists of modified, branching epithelial podocytes
• Extensions of the octopus-like podocytes terminate in foot processes
• Filtration slits – openings between the foot processes that allow
filtrate to pass into the capsular space
Figure 25.4b
Chapter 25: Urinary System 23
Connecting Tubules
• The distal portion of the distal convoluted tubule nearer to the
collecting ducts
These muscles surround the urethra, so that when they contract, the
urethra is closed.There are two distinct areas of muscle:
the internal sphincter, at the bladder neck and
the external, or distal, sphincter.